SCOTTISH OPEN: Howell slides in Aberdeen

DAVID Howell ended his Scottish Open campaign with an even-par final round yesterday, but his chances of making the top 10 slid away the previous day.

The Broome Manor man went into the weekend at the Aberdeen event four-under par and firmly inside the top 20, but a two-over par round of 73 on Saturday saw him slip down the leaderboard and ultimately left him out of contention at the event.

It looked as if Howell was going to reignite his campaign during his final 18 holes yesterday, as he picked up birdies at two and six, but he dropped shots on both 12 and 15 to finish level.

Howell eventually finished tied for 35th on two-under as Justin Rose took victory on 16-under as he finished two shots clear of Swede Kristoffer Broberg.

Howell’s prize for his week’s work is €28,000 with winner Rose adding €627,000 to his toral for his victory.

Next up for Howell and the rest of the European Tour field is the Open Championship which is this year being held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. The event begins on Thursday and will see American Phil Mickelson looking to defend the title he won last year.